Atlanta Falcons: Updated 2016 NFL Mock Draft

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Round 1, Pick 17: DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson, 6’3 275 lbs

Oct 10, 2015; Clemson, SC, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) reacts between plays during the first half against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

The play of DE Noah Spence during Senior Bowl week resulted in two important aspects: 1. Launched Spence into the top 15 of the draft and eventually top ten and 2. Supplanted Lawson as possibly the second best 4-3 defensive end behind Ohio State’s Joey Bosa. Understandably, that is something that is out of Lawson’s control. However, we’ve seen numerous times of a player getting hot at the best time during draft season and enhances his stock. With that said, there could knock Lawson down to the mid first and within reach of the Falcons. Lawson will give former college teammate Vic Beasley a “sidekick” as they play weekly competitions of “Meet At The Quarterback”.

The recent news of LB Jaylon Smith has widen his possible draft range which means all three top linebackers (Smith, Jack, Ragland) could be long gone by the time Atlanta is on the clock or Smith could be there for the taking but DQ declines and takes the pass rusher instead.

Other names to consider: LB Darron Lee, DL Robert Nkemdiche, LB Jaylon Smith